Buzz
There’s something incredibly peaceful about gathering around a fire in winter—whether you’re sipping hot chocolate, enjoying a glass of wine, diving into a book, or spending time with family. It’s pure bliss. But that bliss can be interrupted when the fire pops, sending hot embers your way. It’s not only startling but can also be painful and risky. Some firewood is more prone to popping than others, so it’s important to know what to look for when preparing your firewood.
What causes firewood to pop?
If you've ever cut wood or worked with subpar lumber, you’ll know that wood isn’t completely solid. It contains tiny pockets, which, as noted by the Farmer’s Almanac, can be filled with substances like pitch, sap, and other flammable materials. As the fire’s heat increases, these pockets liquefy, turning into vapor that puts pressure on the pocket walls until they burst, creating that popping sound. According to Fireplace Tips, there’s also moisture in the wood fibers that turns into steam when heated. The steam builds up pressure, which eventually results in a sharp pop.
The sound is just one concern—when the fire crackles, particles and embers can fly out, potentially landing in your living room or even hitting you. Always ensure your screen is properly in place to keep these sparks from traveling too far into your space.
Which types of wood pop the least?
Fireplace Tips recommends these woods as they tend to be drier than others, reducing the likelihood of popping compared to wood that is more damp. These are great choices for a quieter, safer fire:
Apple
Ash
Birch
Cherry
Oak
Maple
Pine
Walnut
Beech
Ironwood
Aspen
Cedar
You can also choose wood that’s been partially dried. The packaging will indicate if it’s been kiln-dried or seasoned. While seasoned wood pops more than kiln-dried wood due to retaining some moisture, that same moisture helps it burn more efficiently.
If you're looking to minimize both noise and the risk of flying embers, wood pellets are the way to go—they don’t pop, making them a quieter and safer option compared to traditional firewood.
Which types of wood pop the most?
Softwoods like pine and fir are the biggest offenders when it comes to popping. While they offer delightful aromas, their resin-filled canals—absent in hardwoods—are primarily responsible for the popping sounds. These trees are also full of sap, which you can often see on their bark, providing plenty of moisture that turns into popping when heated.
Other softwoods that tend to pop and should be avoided if you want a quieter fire include cedar, larch, poplar, and spruce.
How to properly store firewood
Properly stacking and storing your firewood is essential for drying and seasoning it. According to Family Handyman, it’s best to stack it neatly outside on a plastic sheet or a designated wood rack. Keep the stack a safe distance from your house, as it can attract rodents and is flammable. Position the cut ends outward, ensure the wood is elevated from the ground and away from any walls, and avoid stacking it too tightly to prevent the bottom pieces from staying damp. Place the stack in direct sunlight for best results.
For long-term storage, once the wood has dried in the sun, cover it with a tarp and secure it tightly to keep it protected.
